CHS IN THE NEWS!!!!

Castlederg High School under-14s win McMullan Shield after exciting final

Thursday, 21 April 2011

Castlederg High School 6, Drumragh Integrated College 4 (AET).
CASTLEDERG High School's under-14 football team won the Fermanagh and Western Schools' McMullan Shield, following a thrilling final against Drumragh Integrated College, Omagh, at Michael Connolly Park, Kesh.
Castlederg started the first half brightly - a neat build-up and cross from the right saw Chris Allen shoot just wide. It was from a set-piece that the 'Derg boys broke the deadlock. An inswinging corner to the back post was headed back across goal for Matthew Finlay to scramble the ball over the line.
This early breakthrough settled the nerves of the 'Derg boys, who produced a second on 15 minutes, again Finlay nipping in front of his marker to convert Scott Gordon's well delivered free kick.
Conceding two goals so early on rocked the Drumragh boys, but to their credit they were not out of the game. Tejay Richards and Jordan Orr were linking well up front and Kyle Deery's Castlederg defence had to be focussed at all times to deal with the pace and strength of Richards and the intelligent movement of Orr.
However, just as Drumragh were starting to get a foothold in the game, Castlederg struck a third - this time a rasping left-footed shot from midfielder, Ryan Donnell.
Critical
Castlederg could not have hoped for a better first half and certainly went in at the break pleased with their efforts. The onus was now on Drumragh to change their tactics for the second half and Castlederg knew the 15 minutes after the break would be critical.
Drumragh had to go for it and they pushed Rian McKelvey into the centre of midfield and Tejay Richards into a more central role up front with Orr.
The change had an immediate effect, with the Drumragh midfield gaining control and driving their team forward. The mounting pressure was now showing and the Omagh boys got their breakthrough via Tejay Richards who hammered in their first goal.
Castlederg were struggling to get any quality possession, it was now Drumragh's turn to impress in attack. A break down the left saw Orr drive into the box, Scott Young in the Castlederg goal saved well at the forward's feet - only for Ryan Phillips to nip in for Drumragh's second.
With the game well and truly in the balance, Drumragh completed a remarkable comeback with Phillips netting his second and Drumragh's equaliser.
The drama was by no means over and with 10 minutes left, Scott Gordon struck what everyone thought would surely be the winner. The Castlederg man had seen a free kick in the first half saved well, but with this attempt he found the top right hand corner from all of 20 yards.
Drumragh's Rian McKelvey had other ideas, however, the Drumragh captain's performance in the second half had merited a goal and when it came it was worth the wait. McKelvey shot low and hard from the edge of the box into the bottom left corner, past the despairing dive of the Derg netminder.
Extra-time
Both teams would now have to battle it out in extra-time. The efforts of the second half were now starting to take effect on both teams.
Castlederg were the first to threaten in extra-time. A series of corners eventually led to Timmy Crompton scoring. Again the Omagh side would have to pick themselves up to find an equaliser.
It was not until halfway through the second period of extra-time that Castlederg sealed the win. Again, another set piece from Gordon found Crompton at the back post, and the young striker skilfully finished with a fine headed goal.
Praise has to go to both teams for producing one of the most entertaining Fermanagh and Western Schools' finals in recent times. The players and staff from both teams would like to thank the officials and NFC Kesh for their continued support of Fermanagh and Western Schools' football.